Fearfully Wonderfully Me

Growing in God and Inspiring Young Women Through Faith and Fashion

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What 2017 Taught Me About Hope

What 2017 Taught Me About Hope

December 29, 2017 / / 6 Comments

This blog post is co-authored by my boyfriend, Owen Wolf.

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A Year of Hope

2017 is coming to an end. Another year filled to the brim with memories that are already fading away as 2018 looms ahead with unwritten adventures.

This year has been a crazy one for me. I was heavily involved in my church and finished my last year at community college. Eventually, I decided to take a break from being a youth leader as I started my senior year of college. Not only that, but I’m also in a relationship (as you can clearly see)!

One theme of 2017 that Owen and I have clearly seen in our lives is Hope. Owen had lost hope while focusing on the temporal. He did not want to think about the road ahead.

However, I struggled to grip onto the anchor of hope in a different way. Anxiety paralyzed me as I tried to gaze into something not meant to be seen. I was trying to control my future, to set in stone what is really shifting sand.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the past or try to grasp for control of the future. But both ways of thinking can cause us to lose hope. As we have grown, Owen and I now see the importance of standing on the solid rock that is Jesus Christ.

 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (John 10:29 NIV)

Our salvation is secured in Jesus. We don’t have to worry about our past or future with God. He washes all of the old things away, and He makes all things new.

An Eternal Perspective

We need to start acting in the present while having a more eternal perspective. The Bible tells us to think about today and not worry about tomorrow, but it also tells us to focus on the Kingdom of God.

Eternity is not just some concept from the far away future; it is a reality for the past, present, and future. Eternity is in this very moment. We are eternal souls in temporary bodies.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:33-34 NIV)

What 2017 Taught Me About Hope

My challenge for you today is to look back on 2017. What do you remember? Chances are, you only remember the highlight reels of the good and bad times.

When Owen and I tried looking back on the past two years, we found that we could hardly remember anything!

The point is to remember that this life is fleeting. It is good to live life to the fullest and be present, and to plan for the years you may have left. However, it is even more important to have an eternal perspective. Ask God what that looks like for you, and what legacy He wants you to leave.

We can hold on to hope, knowing that God is with us every step of the way and that He is ultimately in control of our lives. He has great plans for us, and 2018 is only just the beginning.

Happy New Year, lovely one! I hope you have a fabulous and blessed 2018.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

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Look toward Jesus to beat fear.

In a Boat With Fear and Jesus

June 28, 2017 / / 6 Comments

Picture this: Three girls are sitting in a canoe on windy waters. One of them is in the middle, clutching onto the sides of the boat for dear life as it tilts and bobs. Even though her friends are paddling and assuring her that everything is perfectly fine, she can’t stop shaking and singing “Oceans” by Hillsong.

That girl is me. 

A picture of me, overcoming my fear by going canoeing.

It sounds ridiculous now, considering how I was wearing a life jacket and was in a boat with two skillfully trained swimmers who I love and trust. But sitting in that canoe last weekend reminded me just how shaky and unstable this life can feel sometimes. Like a beautiful, scary, and mysterious adventure. 

 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14: 29-31 NIV)

Focus

I know I quote this passage a lot, but it is just that relevant. Anyone who has struggled with anxiety or fear can relate to Peter’s woes in those stormy waters.

As I was trying to keep calm on that canoe, all I could think about was the movie, The Shack. If you haven’t seen this movie, I highly recommend it. It’s an inspiring story about a man named Mack, who has an encounter with God after a series of tragic, faith-shaking events in his life.

In one scene of the movie, Mack is in a boat, being plagued by dismal waters. He can’t see any way out. He is completely consumed by darkness and fear.

That is, until Jesus shows up. Suddenly God is asking Mack to focus his gaze on Him instead of the dark waves around him. When Mack finally musters the courage and faith to do this, he finds that the storm around him dissipates. He is free to see only Jesus.

There came a point when I was sitting in that little canoe that I realized I would have to trust Jesus and that He is who He says He is. My fear didn’t matter, and it would serve no purpose in my life other than to paralyze me. 

Trust

When I stop to think about what might have happened to me if I had tipped over the canoe, I realize that God would have kept me safe. He has never let me down before, so why would He start now? Instead of being like Peter and focusing on the rough waters around me, I should have just kept my eyes on Jesus. 

I don’t know where you are in life or your walk with God, lovely reader. Maybe you don’t even know who Jesus is. But I urge you to remember that nothing you can do will cease the waves and storms of this life. Only God’s perfect peace can bring you through it.

It can be so easy to look at all of the problems and stress around us, but we need to remember that there is a God who is bigger than any storm we may face. 

Despite my anxiety-ridden first experience at canoeing, I still ended up having a blast with my friends. I also learned that faith requires trust, despite the stormy seas of life. If I keep looking at the King who holds my entire world, I know that no matter what, I am safe. 

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:8 NIV)

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Connect with me on Instagram @fearfullywonderfullyme

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Abundant Life

May 31, 2017 / / 4 Comments

I’m just gonna’ say it. I feel like all I ever do is write posts for those times when life is overwhelming or falling apart. You know, the hard times.

I’m an encouraging person, so writing posts that lift others up during their life battles is something that I love to do. I know God has used hard times to draw me closer to Him so that I could watch Him be glorified. I also hope the same can be said for you, lovely reader.

But what about life’s good moments? Moments when new opportunities are on the horizon, or when accomplishments have been made. Moments when prayers are answered or when relationships are going well.

Seems great, right? A season of joy should make us feel nothing but grateful…but what if it doesn’t? 

I’m the kind of person who can get anxious for no reason at all. I like to be in control of things in order to feel secure.

But where does this leave room for God?

This kind of anxious thinking and desire for control, even in good times, is a sign that we lack trust in Jesus. I say we, because I know I’m not alone. Sometimes blessings can terrify us because we are afraid to lose them. 

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV)

Read this verse again. Our enemy is not our circumstances–whether good or bad–and it’s not God. Our enemy is the thief–the devil. Instead of enjoying life and praising God for our blessings, the devil wants to steal our joy and destroy our trust.

He wants to kill our faith.

We have to remember that God sees the whole picture of our lives. His knowledge is not limited like ours. Even when things go bad or if life doesn’t make sense, God can still work all things for our good.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NKJV)

Sometimes I can’t believe this–that God is always for me! He wants to see His children enjoy life and live it to the fullest. The thief may come to destroy and steal from us, but Jesus came to give us abundant life.

We cannot see into the future, and we cannot control every outcome of our lives. I think that the best way to overcome this fear is to just let go and seek God like never before.

Lovely readers, don’t stop stepping out in faith when it comes to trying new things. Don’t shut yourself off from the fountain of life and joy that is in Jesus. Sometimes life’s greatest moments can teach us one of the greatest lessons of all.

They teach us to surrender. 

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Connect with me on Instagram @fearfullywonderfullyme

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Mystery Blogger Award!

May 10, 2017 / / 9 Comments

Hello lovely readers and followers! Today is a great day because I have been nominated for the Mystery Blogger Award by the creative, funny, and wise blogger,  Dainty M. I love getting these awards, as it shows just how strong the bonds are between writers in the blogging community. Though they may require effort, they are also a blast. So let’s get started!

This award was first initiated by the wonderful Okoto Enigma, and I think it’s a great way to meet other like-minded bloggers and make new friends.

Here are the rules of the award

  1. Display the award logo on your blog.
  2. List the Rules.
  3. Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
  4. Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well.
  5. Tell your readers three things about yourself.
  6. Answer five questions from the nominee.
  7. Nominate anywhere from ten to twenty bloggers.
  8. Notify the bloggers by leaving a comment on their blog.
  9. Ask your nominees any five questions of your choice, including one weird or funny question.
  10. Share the link to your best post.

Three Things About Myself

  1. I’m a daughter of God, and I strive to honor Him everyday.
  2. I firmly believe that napping is a lifestyle.
  3. I love hair and makeup. I’m not the best at it, but it’s a passion of mine.

Dainty M’s Questions

1. What’s your favourite season of the year?

I really love spring and fall. It’s neither too hot nor too cold, and the transition of the seasons is beautiful.

2. What’s the one thing you’d do if there was no stopping you?

I would get on an airplane and fly to the beach!

3. Soda or juice?

Soda–Diet Coke is my favorite source of caffeine.

4. What’s your idea of fun?

Eating, shopping, reading, writing, sitting outside, and talking with friends.

5. One piece of advice you would tell your younger self?

Your worth is in Jesus alone–not looks or performance. You don’t have to do anything to earn God’s love.

My Best Post

This is kind of a tricky question, but I think that this post is one of my recent favorites.

I Nominate

Courtney

Wendy

Karina

Dan

Wally

Grvya

Tianna

Beckie Lindsey

Questions for My Nominees

1. Would you rather skydive or bungee jump (if you had to choose)?

2. Name a pet peeve of yours.

3. What do you like to do to relax?

4. What is something you’ve learned over this past year?

5. What’s your favorite summertime treat?

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Connect with me on Instagram @fearfullywonderfullyme

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The Beauty of Suffering

March 22, 2017 / / 4 Comments

“Life sucks and then you die.”

That’s what my eccentric eighth grade science teacher used to say whenever one of us would complain about tests or homework. Although that statement is definitely harsh, sometimes it can feel true (just keeping it real).

I have a friend who’s in the fight of his life against a nasty cancer. I know people who have lost their parents and siblings. There are people struggling from hunger and homelessness. This isn’t shocking. This is life. And while there are many blessings in this life, there are also many hardships.

Why? Why does God allow this suffering? I’m pretty sure we have all asked this question at some point in our lives. I could go really deep into theology that even I don’t quite understand, but the simple answer is that we live in a fallen and sinful world (Genesis 3). The consequence of our sin is darkness and death (Romans 6:23).

This isn’t what God wants. That’s why He sent His one and only Son Jesus to die for us on a cross. When we ask for forgiveness for the wrongs we’ve done and believe in Jesus’ love for us, we are made new. So why doesn’t life become suddenly perfect?

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV).

Jesus knew that until He comes back for His church one day, there will always be suffering. But He never left us without a hope. God has conquered our problems–our diseases, our poverty, our struggles. He claimed victory over them on the cross.

We know the Bible says that problems are inevitable in life, and that Jesus has overcome them. But how can we really change our perception toward all of the hardships we face?

Let’s look at the apostle Paul, who wrote about having a “thorn” in his flesh that wouldn’t go away.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NIV). 

This is the beauty of suffering. If we had it all together and were doing great, then we would never see our need for a Savior. We would never need to lean on God and get a taste of how powerful He truly is. If we never had a desperate moment, we would never experience a miracle.

This isn’t easy. We all go through things, and sometimes these hardships stick around longer than we’d like them to. For me, it’s been a chronic illness. Although I am doing quite well, I still face difficulties in my everyday life. But I’ve realized that if I had never gotten sick, then I probably wouldn’t have sought after God so hard. This blog might not even exist.

I do believe that God is healing me, but it’s in His timing–not mine. While I wait, His grace is sufficient for me. I have never known true strength until I found myself broken and needy before the Lord. I can do things through God that I could never do by myself!

And guess what lovely reader? You can too. 

I don’t know your situation or your problems. I know there are people going through a lot worse than me, and my heart breaks for them. But I also know that God works all things for our good. Every struggle is an opportunity to lean on God and watch Him work a miracle in our lives. 

I know that I need to work on trusting God–or else I wouldn’t have written a post on it. Will you join me in learning to trust in God more? I think that if we learn to lean on Jesus and view our struggles in the power of Christ’s victory, then we can have true joy and peace.

Although life can be hard, the struggles we face are not the final chapter. They are the key to seeing God work in mighty and miraculous ways.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Connect with me on Instagram @fearfullywonderfullyme

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